After the tailgate: Manziel at center of Heisman talk

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

A funny thing has happened after the tumultuous summer of Johnny Football:
Itís all about football right now for Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.
The talk of Manziel being selfish and self-centered following an offseason of an NCAA investigation and reportedly taking money for autographs has turned into talk of Manziel the football player.
His play lately might make history ó if he can win over Heisman Trophy voters. That might be difficult, but Manziel has been difficult to ignore on the field this fall.
ESPN college football analyst Robert Smith told The News-Herald before the season Manzielís hope for a second Heisman werenít good because, ďGuys in the Heisman fraternity donít want association with him.Ē
How about now?
Putting personal feelings aside, Manzielís play this season warrants serious Heisman consideration.
Through eight games, he has thrown for 2,594 yards and 22 touchdowns against eight interceptions, totals that are ahead of last seasonís. His rushing statistics (497 and six touchdowns) are far behind his 2012 numbers of 1,410 yards and 21 TDs. Still, his current pace has him on track for 3,891 yards, 33 TD passes, 745 rushing yards and nine more scores.
Hand him the Heisman? Maybe. First, letís consider the other contenders to this point, namely Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and Oregon QB Marcus Mariota.
Winston has the Seminoles undefeated and ranked No. 3 in the latest BCS standings. In seven games, heís thrown for 2,177 yards and 23 TDs with just four interceptions. Mariota, of the No. 2 Ducks, has been just as good, with 2,281 passing yards, 20 TD passes and no interceptions. Heís also rushed for 511 yards and nine touchdowns.
Winston was at his best in a 51-14 romp at Clemson, throwing for 444 yards and three touchdowns. Mariota hasnít had a standout performance against a top-ranked team, but heíll get his chance on Nov. 7 at No. 5 Stanford.
Two factors might help Manziel win a second Heisman and join Ohio Stateís Archie Griffin as the only two-time winner. He accounted for 562 yards of offense and threw five touchdowns in a 49-42 loss to No. 1 Alabama, and he has played hurt with an injured right shoulder the last two games against Auburn and Vanderbilt and still managed more than 750 yards passing and eight touchdowns.†††
Thereís still plenty of football to be played, but the player fans, and likely many Heisman voters, love to hate is playing himself into contention for another Heisman.
Tailgate talk
-- Signs in Ashtabula honoring Ohio State coach Urban Meyer at city entrance points are coming up missing as soon as theyíre put up, according to a story in the Star Beacon. Dom Iarocci, superintendent of public services, told the Star Beacon the signs cost about $84, and the city doesnít have the money to keep replacing them.
-- Running back Octavias McKoy of Division III Western Connecticut broke the NCAA all-division single-game rushing record last week with 455 yards on 43 carries in a win over Worcester State.Top 10
1. Alabama 8-0
2. Florida State 7-0
3. Oregon 8-0
4. Ohio State 8-0
5. Stanford 7-1
6. Baylor 7-0
7. Miami (Fla.) 7-0
8. Auburn 7-1
9. Clemson 7-1
10. Missouri 7-1Heisman watch
1. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
2. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
3. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
4. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
5. Jordan Lynch, QB, Northern Illinois
BCS projections
BCS National Championship: Alabama vs. Florida State
Rose: Ohio State vs. Stanford
Sugar: Texas A&M vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Baylor vs. Clemson
Orange: Central Florida vs. Northern IllinoisTop games
Saturday
Ohio State at Purdue, noon (Big Ten Network)
Wisconsin at Iowa, noon (WEWS)
Florida vs. Georgia at Jacksonville, Fla. (WOIO)
Michigan at Michigan State, 3:30 (WEWS)
Navy at Notre Dame, 3:30 (WKYC)
Auburn at Arkansas, 6 (ESPN2)
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech, 7 (WJW)
Tennessee at Missouri, 7 (ESPN)
Miami (Fla.) at Florida State, 8 (WEWS)
UTEP at Texas A&M, 8 (ESPN2)

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About the Author

Mark's an Ohio State graduate who's been with The News-Herald since 1996. He enjoys exercising, reading, writing, cooking, spending time with his family and college football. Reach the author at mpodolski@news-herald.com
or follow Mark on Twitter: @mpodo.